Two men have been arrested and charged in relation to the shooting, one aged 25 and another aged 29. Both are remanded in custody until their next hearing.

“A post-mortem will be conducted over the next few days and liabilities will be assessed in the development of the investigation,” said Mr Gallagher.

Police have recovered the firearm used in the incident and it has been part of forensic analysis.

News from NZ Police – January 4
A 29-year-old man has been arrested as a result of the investigation into the shooting of a 23 year old man at a Flatbush East Tamaki residence on Wednesday night. The man, who lived at the address where the shooting took place, is facing a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm. He was to appear in the Manukau District Court today.

Another man being sought by Police in relation to the shooting, Gareth Heron, was found by Police at a Tuakau address today. The vehicle connected to him which was being sought by Police has also now been found this afternoon at a Papakura address. Police acknowledge the support received from the public in providing information.

Police said earlier that Gareth Heron was believed to have in his possession a 0.22 calibre cut down rifle. He was known to use multiple Auckland addresses and frequent the East Tamaki and Flatbush suburbs. The public was asked not to approach him or the vehicle if seen.

The victim of the shooting is still in a critical condition in Middlemore Hospital.

News from NZ Police – January 3
At about 11pm last night, Police and Ambulance were called to a shooting at a Flatbush East Tamaki residence. A 23 year old man had been shot in the stomach and was admitted to Middlemore Hospital in a critical condition. The victim was outside his address at the road front when he was confronted by an assailant who discharged a firearm at him. Police are conducting a scene examination and canvassing neighbours for information.

A dark green vehicle with one occupant was reported leaving the address at speed immediately after the shooting was heard.

Assistance is sought from members of the public and in particular those who live in the immediate area and surrounding streets for information. Police are particularly interested in any activity seen around the address of 35 Eastland Road between 10pm and 11pm. Any sightings of a dark green vehicle at the address or leaving it during those times are also sought.

Anyone who has information that will assist them is asked to call Counties Manukau Police on 09 261 1300 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 and refer to Operation Helen.

UPDATE
The Police investigation into the shooting has revealed information about a vehicle of interest that is believed to have visited the address around the time the shooting took place. The vehicle is described as a 1998 dark green Mazda Capella, registration number GKM946.

A person connected to that car is being sought by police. He is Gareth Heron, aged 25 yrs. He is believed to have in his possession a 0.22 calibre cut down rifle. Heron is known to use multiple Auckland addresses and frequent the Howick, Pakuranga and Flatbush suburbs.

The public is asked not to approach the vehicle or its occupant if seen but to report any sightings to Police.

Assistance is still sought from members of the public and in particular those who live in the immediate area and surrounding streets where the shooting took place. Police are particularly interested in any activity seen around the address of 35 Eastland Road between 10pm and 11pm. Any sightings of the dark green mazda vehicle at the address or leaving it during those times are also sought.

The victim of the shooting remains in a critical condition in Middlemore Hospital with concerns held for his survival.